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/ 



THE 



BATTLE OF DRYFE SANDS. 



THE 



BATTLE 



or 



DRYFE SANDS. 



BY 



WILLIAM M'VITIE. 



LET NOT THE BATTLES BE FORGOT 

THAT OUR FOREFATHERS FOTTGHT AT HOME. 



LOCKERBIE : N^J 

PRINTED BY DAVID HALLIDAY. 




MBCCCLVin. 



TR 






INTRODUCTION. 



In the year 1585, John, Lord Maxwell, having quar- 
relled with the Earl of Arran, reigning favourite of 
King James VI. and fallen, of course, under the dis- 
pleasure of the Court, he was, according to the custom 
of the times, denounced a rebel, and a commission 
given to Johnston, Lord of Annandale, then War- 
den of the West Marches, to pursue and apprehend 
the ancient rival and enemy of his house ; but the 
noble outlaw having numerous vassals and friends, it 
was thought necessary to send two bands of mercen- 
aries from Edinburgh, to support Johnston. These 
two companies, commanded by Captains Cranston and 
Lammie, having reached Crawfordmoor, were attack- 
ed and cut to pieces by a party of Maxwells, under the 
command of Robert, natural brother to the chieftain ; 
who, following up his advantage, burned Johnston's 
castle of Lochwood, the same night, saying, with 
glee. "That he would give Lady Johnston light 



2 

enough to show her how to set her hood !" In a 
subsequent conflict, Johnston himself was defeated, 
and made prisoner ; and is said to have died of grief 
at the disgrace which he sustained. — Spottiswood and 
Johnston's Histories. 

By one of the revolutions common in those days, 
Maxwell was soon after restored to the King's favour, 
and obtained in his turn the Wardenship of the West 
Marches. A bond of alliance was subscribed by him 
and by Lord James Johnston, son and heir of the late 
Lord Johnston, and for some time the two clans lived 
in harmony ; but, in the year 1593, the hereditary 
feud was revived on the following occasion : — John- 
ston of Wamphray, a relation of Lord Johnston's 
with a few friends, went to Nithsdale, and brought 
away a horse belonging to Crichton of Sanquhar ; 
but Crichton, with some friends, pursued and took 
Johnston prisoner, and hanged him on a tree, which 
happened to be near the place where he was taken. 
Along with the Laird of Wamphray, was a nephew 
of his, called William Johnston, but more commonly 
styled Willie of Kirkhill, from the place where he 
dwelt. This Willie of Kirkhill, escaping from the 
Crich tons/ got home to Wamphray, and vowing re- 
venge^for his uncle's death, raised a powerful band of 
Johnstons, and again going over to Nithsdale, 'swept 
the country of cattle for a long way, driving all before 
them that they could find ; on which Crichton of San- 
quhar and Douglas of Drumlanrig, raising what fol- 



3 

lowers they could muster, came up with the Johnstons 
at a place called the Biddes-burn, (a rivulet which 
takes its course among the mountains on the confines 
of Nithsdale and Annandale), where a desperate bat- 
tle took place, in which the Nith men were completely 
defeated, and the Johnstons carried off the spoil. 

After this bloody conflict, the injured parties held a 
consultation, when it was resolved that they would 
apply to Lord Maxwell for assistance and protection, 
but finding he would not cordially embrace tbeir cause, 
on account of his late reconciliation with the John- 
stons, but they overcame his reluctance, by entering 
into bonds of man-rent, and so became his followers 
and liege men ; he, on the other hand, granting to 
them a bond of maintenance or protection, by which 
he bound himself in the usual form to maintain their 
quarrels against all mortals, saving his loyalty. A 
number of other barons came at the same time, and 
entered into similar bonds. Thus the most powerful 
and respectable families in Dumfries-shire, became the 
vassals of the house of Maxwell, many of whom had 
been so for a long time past, as some of the bonds of 
man-rent are dated so far back as the year 1518. 
Among those who signed these bonds, at different 
times, are Kirkpatrick of Closeburn ; Douglas of 
Drumlanrig, ancestor to the Duke of Queensberry ; 
Crichton, Lord Sanquhar, ancestor of the Earls of 
Dumfries, and many of his kindred ; Stuart of Castle- 
milk ; Stuart of Garlies, ancestor of the Earls of 



Galloway ; Murray of Cockpool, ancestor of the Hur- 
rays ; Lord Annandale ; Grierson of Lagg ; Gordon 
of Lochmaben ; and many others in the south-west of 
Scotland, all binding themselves in the most sub- 
missive terms to become the liegemen and vassals of 
the house of Maxwell, — a circumstance which must 
highly exalt our idea of the ancient power and grand- 
eur of that family ; nay, even the rival chieftain, 
Johnston of Johnston, seems at one time to have come 
under a similar obligation to Maxwell, by a bond dat- 
ed 11th February, 1528, in which reference is made 
to the counter obligation of the patron, in these 
words : — "Forasmeikle as the said lord has obligt him 
to supplie, maintene, and defend me, in the peciabill, 
brouking, and joy sing of all my landis, rentis, &c. 
and to take my aefold leil, and true part, in all my 
good actions, causis, and quarries, leiful and honest, 
aganes all deedlie, his alledgeance to our soveraigne 
lord the king, allanerly excepted, as at mair length 
is contained in his lettres of maintenance maid to me 
thereupon, therefore," &c. He proceeds to bind him- 
self as liegeman to the Maxwells. 

What further shows the greatness of the Maxwells 
in those days, is a bond of man-rent, extracted from 
Syme's Collection of Old Wrtings, granted by the 
famous freebooter, Johnie Armstrong, of Gilnockhall, 
to Robert Lord Maxwell, Warden of the West March- 
es, from which it appears, that the said lord had 
granted to Armstrong and his heirs sundry lands in 



the lordship of Eskdale; so that the Maxwells, at 
that time, bore sway from the English border to the 
western shore of Galloway. 

The following circumstance places in a still strong- 
er light the popularity of this powerful family in these 
times of war and plunder : — In the year 1542, a large 
army, under the command of the Duke of Norfolk, 
entered Scotland, and ravaged the country north of 
the Tweed ; after this short expedition the English 
army retired to Berwick. Upon this the King of 
Scotland sent ten thousand men to the western bord- 
ers, who entered England at the Solway Frith, and 
he himself followed them at a small distance, ready 
to join upon occasion, He soon after gave great of- 
fence to the nobility and the army, by imprudently 
depriving their general, Lord Maxwell, of his com- 
mission, and conferring the command on Oliver Sinc- 
lair, a private gentleman, who was his favourite. 
The army was so much disgusted with this alteration, 
that they- were ready to disband, when a small body 
of English horse appeared, they took flight, and were 
entirely defeated ; which defeat was altogether attri- 
buted to the loss of their esteemed leader, Lord 
Maxwell. 

To return to our narration : After Crichton and 
Douglas had been forced to sign the bonds of man- 
rent, by the failure of their attempt to rescue their 
property, their alliance was discovered to Johnston 
by Cummertrees, who also informed him that a num. 



her of others had also put themselves under the pro- 
tection of Maxwell. On this the warfare hetween 
the rival clajis was instantly renewed : Buccleuch, 
a near relation of Johnston's, came to his assistance 
with his clan, " the most renowned freebooters, the 
fiercest and bravest warriors among the border tribes." 
With the bold Buccleuch also came the Elliots, the 
Armstrongs, and Grahams. Thus reinforced, John- 
ston surprised and cut to pieces a party of the 
Maxwell's who were stationed at Lochmaben, and 
with them Robert Maxwell, natural brother to 
the chieftain who had before burnt the castle of 
Loch wood. It is said the Maxwells, on this occasion, 
took refuge in Lochmaben church, which they brave- 
ly defended for some time, till the Johnstons, collect- 
ing great quantities of hay and straw, burnt the 
church and all who were in it, exulting like Ameri- 
can savages, in the sufferings of their rivals, and re- 
garding this sacrilegious deed as merely a just and 
lawful revenge for the destruction of the Castle of 
Loch wood. 

On the other hand,, Lord Maxwell, highly incensed 
by this outrage, and burning for revenge, entered An- 
nandale, at the head of 2,000 men, including all the 
Barons of Nithsdale, when a desperate conflict, still 
renowned in tradition, took place at Dryfe Sands, 
not far from Lockerbie, in which Johnston, after a 
terrible struggle, gained the victory. Lord Maxwell, 
after performing prodigies of valour, was at last 



slain. Many of his followers were also slain in the 
battle : and the barons of Lag, Closeburn, and Drum- 
lanrig were indebted, for their safety, to the fleetness 
of their horses. The Johnstons pretended that they 
were inferior in numbers but that could not be ; for, 
besides all the collected strength of Annandale, they 
were assisted by the Scotts, Elliots, Armstrongs, and 
Grahams, the bravest of all the border warriors ; 
and, reasoning from facts, it is plain that in point of 
numbers, they were superior to the enemy. 

This fatal battle was followed by a long feud, at- 
tended with all the circumstances of horror peculiar 
to a barbarous age. At last, John Lord Maxwell, 
son to him who fell at Dryfe Sands, in revenge for 
his father's death, killed Lord Johnston, near the 
Shieldhill, in the parish of Tinwald, after which he 
escaped to France ,* but, having ventured to return to 
Scotland, he was apprehended lurking in the wilds of 
Caithness, and brought to trial at Edinburgh, where 
he was condemned and beheaded on the 2Jst of May, 
1613. 

Thus was finaly ended the bloody feud betwixt the 
Maxwells and the Johnstons, in the course of which 
each family lost two chieftains, one of whom died of a 
broken heart, — another fell in the field of battle ; a 
third was killed in single combat, — and the last per- 
ished by the sword of the executioner. — Minstrelsy 
of the Scottish Border. 



THE 

BATTLE OF DRYFE SANDS. 



Some joy to sing imagined loves, 

By purling streams, that sweetly run, 

Or, 'neath the shade of vernal groves, 
Seek shelter from the scorching sun. 

Or, when the angry tempest blows, 
And Winter reigns with sway severe, 

The cheerful hearth they round inclose, 
And jest and mirth's their mental cheer. 

Or else on trivial themes they dwell, 
Unworthy quite of Poet's note ; 

Beyond few lines their scraps scarce swell — 
Soon, soon composed, and soon forgot. 

A nobler subject is my aim ; — 

Oh ! heaven-born Muse, thy bard inspire, 
Grant me the pure poetic flame, 

A rav of thv celestial fire ! 



10 



And while 1 cbaunt the chiefs of old, 
Long mouldered in the silent grave., 

Their daring deeds I would unfold, 
Their names from dark oblivion save. 

While Scotia's youths are taught by rote, 
The wars of Troy, of Greece, and Rome^ 

Let not the battles be forgot 

That our forefathers fought at home. 

Ye Johnston's and'ye Maxwells named; 

I first address myself to you, 
Your fathers they were heroes famed, 
In battle brave, in friendship true. 

Where placid Annan peaceful flows, 
And laves its low-laid level vale, 

The Loch wood's lofty towers arose, 
Where dwelt the lords of Annandale. 

On Johnstone Moor, 'midst waving grass, 
The towering fortress frowned afar, 

Surrounded with a deep morass, 
A safe retreat in time of war. 

Around their chief his potent clan, 
From Errickstane to Solway's shore, 

Dwelt all along where Annan ran, 
A name renowned in days of yore. 



1! 



To English inroads much exposed, 

As they along the borders lay, 
Oft when their eyes in sleep were closed, 

Dread dangers roused them long ere day. 

Thus, nursed 'mid perils and alarms, 
They were a brave undaunted band, 

To battles used, and feats of arms, 

Few could their fierce attacks withstand. 

At ambush or surprise alert, 

Freebooters famed both far and wide. 

Who deemed the warrior's sanguine art, 
At once their pastime and their pride. 

On Nith's sweet plains their neighbours great, 
The Maxwells dwelt, a potent name, 

Carlaverock's towers their chieftain's seat, 
A place renowned in rolls of fame. 

To meet their foes they ne'er were slack, 
Still known to conquer or to die ; 

In fight no Maxwell showed his back, 
Or from the blood-stained field did fly. 

Long were their chiefs in arms renowned, 
As Scotia's ancient legends tell ; 

'Midst blood and broils they oft were found, 
And oft their foes before them fell. 



12 



When, Turk and Saracen to quell, 
Crusaders rushed to Palestine, 

Full oft in blood of infidel 

The Maxwells dyed their sabres keen. 

When Douglas bore the bloody heart, 
The chieftain Maxwell, by his side, 

In all his troubles took a part, 
A faithful friend in danger tried. 

When southern foes our land o'erran, 
And thought to force on us their yoke, 

The Maxwells ever, to a man, 

Repaid them bravely stroke for stroke. 

When pedant James the sceptre swayed, 
And to his rule bade Scotland bend, 

The Lord John Maxwell, as 'tis said, 
The favourite Arran did offend. 

Denounced a rebel, orders flew 

To Johnston, chief in Annan's vale, 

To spoil, to plunder, and pursue, 
The potent Lord of Niddisdale. 

Two hundred men from court were sent 
To Johnston's aid in this affray ; 

But Robert Maxwell northward went, 
And did the most part of them slay. 



13 



The Lochwood tower that very night, 
He quickly fired, in furious mood : 

"I'll give'' said he "Dame Johnston light, 
To place aright her silken hood !" 

Lord Johnston with what friends were near, 
Pierce raging for his recent loss, 

Came up with Maxwell's lagging rear, 
Ere they sweet Kinnel's stream could cross. 

With success Maxwell quite elate, 

O'erthrew his foes, and took their chief ; 

And Johnston, grieved at his fate, 

Soon broke his heart and died of grief. — 

His son succeeds, a warrior fierce, 

A haughty, bold, intrepid lord, 
And Maxwell, by a quick reverse, 

Te royal favour is restored. 

Now Wamphray's laird, on plunder bent, 
Some friends assembled on a day, 

To fair Nithside in haste they went, 
And stole Sym Crichton's horse away. 

But homeward hasting, his false steed 
Plunged with his rider in a mire, 

Now friendless in the utmost need, 
Unhorsed, exposed to Criehton's ire, 



14 



And followed fast by deadly foes, 
While faster still his vassals flee, 

The Crichtons round and round him close, 
And, taken, hanged him on a tree ! 

To Loch wood soon the tidings sped, 
Of deeds that loud for vengeance cry, 

How all of Wamphray's followers fled, 
While he had dyed, as felons die. 

"Revenge ! revenge !" Lord Johnston cried, 
"My kinsman's death revenge I will, 

A chosen troop let quickly ride 

With that brave hero, Will Kirkhill. 

'T«vas now the pleasant month of May, 
And warblings did the wild woods fill, 

The ground was clothed, in livery gay, 
With sporting lambs on haugh and hill. 

Smooth Annan's stream sae softly ran; 

The air was balm, the sky was clear ; 
And all was harmony but man, 

Whose breast the furious passions tear. 

Now west the hills the Johnston's wind, 
And Crich ton's towers again descry ; 

Lulled in repose the land they find, 
None dreamed that such a foe was nigh. 



15 



The numerous flocks they drive away — 
The bold Kirkhill still at their head, 

And anguish, terror, and dismay, 
All through the strath of Nith they spread. 

Now long and loud the bugles blow, 
And far and wide the tidings fly — 

And couriers hasting to and fro, 

Proclaim the dreadful gathering cry. 

Brave Crichton summond all his land : 
The Douglas of Drumlanrig rose, 

And joined in one united band, 

They chase the spoil -encumbered foes. 

Where wimples wild the Biddes brook, 
Along the trackless lonely moor, 

The fierce marauders they o'ertook, 
All unsuspecting and secure. 

Now narrow space remained between, 
When Crichton forward freely rode, 

And waving high a bough of green, 

Thus hailed the Johnston's as they stood ; 

"Hear now, ye lawless plunderers hear, 

And add not to your former guilt, 
Come quick give up your ill. got gear, 
And stop in time ere blood be spilt. 



16 



"I own you're brave in warlike broils, 
And oft have laid your enemies low ; 

Then from the English drive your spoils, 
And plunder from our mutual foe. 

"I speak not this from dread or fright, 
I've long been famed 'bove many others ; 

But, why should we together fight, 
We, who are countrymen and brothers. 

"Now, if ye wish that war should cease, 
Behold I'm standing ready here, 

To reach the olive branch of peace ; 
If not, I draw my well proved spear." 

"Draw villain, draw," cried stern Kirkhill, 
"Come on my friends, a voley pour :" 

His followers haste with right good will, 
While swiftly flies the leaden shower. 

The Crichtons, quick the front engage ; 

Fierce on the flanks the Douglas falls ; 
While bold Kirkhill, in hostile rage, 

The stragglers to the onset calls. 

On every hand^they quickly close, 
Nor lag, nor linger, there was found, 

While stalwart strokes and sturdy blows 
Laid numbers prostrate on the ground. 



17 



High on a steed, as black as coal. 

Lord Johnston's haughty brother rode — 

Of peerless size and dauntless soul — 
The adverse ranks he furious mowed. 

Young Crichton, on a dapple-grey, 

Come, proudly prancing., through the throng, 
A blooming warrior, sweet and gay, 

In arms renowned, in battle strong. 

His face, like morning's purple glow ; 

Profusely waved his golden hair ; 
His bosom, pure as mountain snow ; 

He in the fight did bravely bare. 

At last these youthful warriors met, 
Their lovely eyes seemed flashing fire ; 

When Crichton thus did Johnston greet — 
"Stop here, exhaust on me thine ire." 

So furious to the fight they rush, 

No closer match was ever seen, 
They spring, they strike, they ward, they push, 

While crimson drops bedew the green. 

Hugh Johnston waves his blade of steel, 
Like blaziug meteor, flaming high ; 

While active Crichton, more agile, 
With stroke on stroke did keenly ply. 



18 



Soon Johnston filled with boundless rage, 
Struck, neither knowing where nor how ; 

While Crichton closely did engage, 
And deeply gashed him on the brow. 

Of sense bereft, with blood quite blind, 
Unsteady, staggering, back he reels. 

When Crichton's sword, swift as the wind, 
Descending deep, his death-stroke seals. 

He tumbles down with dinsome crash, 
Extending o'er an ample space ; 

While quite deformed with many a gash, 
All livid looks his lovely face. 

As falls a beauteous mountain oak, 

Whose top long towered it to the skies, 

Its roots uptorn, its branches broke — 
Low, in the dust, it levelled lies. 

'Twas so, lamented Johnston fell, 

And filled his followers' hearts with grief, 
For one and all they loved him well — 

His deeds were great, though life was brief, 

Now close and closer still they close ; 

To flinch or fly no warrior must : 
Thick, thick as hail, descends the blows, 

While numbers bite the blood-died dust, 



19 



Dinwoodie's laird, a wondrous wight, 
In stature tall as mountain pine, 

Drove fierce and furious through the fight, 
While blood dark-dimed his sabres' shine. 

Young Douglas,, who attention claims, 
Beneath his conquering sword there fell ; 

With many more, whose noteless names 
No Poets sing, nor legends tell. 

Now, joined by the brave Kirkhill, 

Who swore Lord Wamphray to avenge ; 

From side to side they slaughtering kill, 
And through the field like furies range. 

As when two ravening wolves descend 

From Alpine heights midst storms of snow, 

They run they rage, they furious rend, 
While reeking streams of purple flow. 

Far, far o'erpowered the Nith-men yield, 

And with reluctance great gave way — 

They slowly quite the well-fought field ; 

The Johnstons drive their ill-got prey. 

But soon a mournful train returned 
Of widows, and of orphans young, 

Their dear relations much they mourned, 
And o'er their clay cold corpses hung. 



20 



Their wounds they washed with many a tear, 
And kissed them oft though cold as clay ; 

Then homeward sad their bodies bare — • 
Within the sacred ground to lay. 

These Barons two, thus overpowered, 

In haste to fair Carlaverock go, 
And unto Nithsdale potent lord 

Unfold at once their tale of woe : — 

"Behold thy vassals, peerless chief, 
O lend thine ear to what we tell, 

While we relate what lose and grief, 
So late thy liegemen true befell. 

"These hordes of vile moss-trooper bands 
Of late have come from Annandale ; 

They plunder and o'er-run our lands, 
Nor can our force 'gainst them prevail, 

"Then please to hear us, mighty lord, — 

Beneath thy shelter let us live ; 
Protection to thy slaves afford, 

And we will due submission give." 

As when by night a lire gleams 

On high hill-top, by shepherds raised, 

At times the flame extinguished seems, 
Which all of late so brightly blazed. 



21 



Till meeting more of bushy heath, 

Swift through the furze it forward flies, 

The rising breeze affords it breath, 
Its curling columns climb the skies. 

So Crichton fanned the dormont flame 
In Maxwell's breast, that latent lay ; 

The boon for which these barons came, 
He granted them that very day. 

To strengthen still their league the more 
They couriers sent both far and near, 

From Ayrshire to the southern shore, 
To bid the chiefs in haste appear. 

And quick they came, with one accord, 
And fealty fast to Nithsdale swore ; 

On his own part this potent lord 

Vowed to protect with all his power. 

Three days in festive joy they passed, 
Within Lord Maxwell's splendid dome, 

All brothers sworn, so firm and fast ; 

Then on the fourth they hied them home. 

But bliss on earth, how insecure? 

Oft when we look for lasting joys, 
The gathering blast begins to lour, 

And all our prospect fair destroys. 



22 



Base Johnston, laird of Cummertrees, 
Allied by blood to Maxwell near, 

Quick mounted, did his bridle seize, 

And for the Lochwood straight did steer. 

Lord Johnston there he did inform 
Of those who at Carlaverock were, * 

Which made the chieftain rage and storm, 
And for the field himself prepare. 

From what example they had set, 

He sent a courier post away, .** 

To try what aid himself could get, 
To join him on a certain day. 

> 
The Elliots and the Armstrongs rose, 

The dauntless Grahams and Nixons too, 

With Scotts that did the train compose 

Of their famed chieftain great Buccleugh. 

Assembled all, they take their way 

West through the wilds of Eskdale-Moor, 

And at the closing of the day, 

They reach the Lochwoods lofty tower, 

A cheerful welcome they receive, 
And Johnston's forces join with joy ; 

A daring band of warriors brare, 
Prepared the Maxwell's to annoy. 



23 

And that same night, at hour of ten, 
A strong detachment took its way, 

And slew a few of Maxwell's men, 
Who stationed at Lochmaben lay. 

The brazen trump Belona blew, 

The western warriors heard the blast. 

To arms great Maxwell's followers flew, 
And thronged around Carlaverock fast. 

Brave Crichton did an hundred lead, 
As good as e'er did weapons wield ; 

Like rushing torrent seemed their speed, 
At onset on the hostile field. 

Drumlanrig brought a hundred more 
Inured to broils and battles long ; 

Kirkpatriek's followers, full fourscore. 
All healthy, active, young, and strong. 

Dalswinton numbered eighty-nine, 
As many followed brave Cowhill, 

All clad in dazzling armour fine, — 
Their leaders famed for martial skill. 

Full fifty men Carnsalloch led, 

So truly trained to sword and shield, 

His worthy self, a warrior bred, 

Had fought in many a far-famed field. 



24 



Renowned Dalziel, a vetran old, 

Who 'gainst the Johnstons oft had fought, 
Yet still a warrior brave and bold, 

From banks of M an hundred brought. 

The offspring of the Longovilles, 
Brave Charteris up in haste arose, 

With sixty followers at his heels, 
As good as e'er encountered foes. 

The Baron Lag brought fifty-four, 
Young Maxwell of the Breckonside, 

With armed followers full fourscore, 
So proudly marched in martial pride. 

i 

The Abbot of New-Abbey came, 

With full an hundred men of might, 
Carlaverock's Vicar brought the same, 
All trained and ready for the fight. 

The town Dumfries two hundred sent, 
All picked and chosen every one, 

With them their provost, Maxwell, went, 
A bold, intrepid, daring man. 

Lord Maxwell's own dependents rose, 
Eight hundred warriors truly bred, 

Kirkconnel doth the reckoning close, 
An hundred valiant youths he led. 



25 



The eve before the appointed day, 

So joyfully they march along, 
And sans excuses or delay, 

To join their chieftain fast they throng. 

With dread or fear quite unappalled, 
In festire joy they pass the night, 

Till by their valiant leader called, 

They rouse them at the dawn of light. 

An aged servant now appears — 

His head quite silvered o'er with snow, 

And much he begs, all bathed in tears, 
That forth Lord Maxwell should not go. 

"My much loved lord, my master dear, 

! stir not near this fatal strife ; 
Or, if you do, I greatly fear, 

You'll in the conflict lose your life. 

"Your generous steed, my proper care, 

1 went to tend, at time of night, 

And found him stand with bristling hair, 
Quite wild and shaking in affright. 

"I tried to sooth him long in vain ; 

When home returning, dark and late, 
I saw a sable funeral train 

Come gliding past me at the gate, 
c 



26 



"I reached my room in dismal plight, 
And sat me down in sorry mood, 

When looking round, ah ! what a sight ! 
Your father's form before me stood ! 

"Each hair was moving on my head, 
When deeply tolled the castle bell, 

And as the passing phantom fled, 

Large drops of blood all round me fell. 

"My worthy friend,' ' Lord Maxwell said, 
"In spite of all these omens dread, 

I from my charge must not recede, 
Nor yet refuse my friends to lead. 

"Myself, my cause, I here commit 

To my Creator, all my trust, 
Still let him do as he sees fit. 

With me his erring child of dust. 

"I hope to live, and ease your pain, 
Though Honour now impels me on ; 

But if I die, we'll meet again 
Where all distinctions are unknown.'* 

So said, he shook his servant's hand, 
And unconcerned he strode away. 

To where his friends all marshalled stand, 
Prepared to march in fair array. 



27 



Now three in depth the circle closed ; 

And alPat once their heads they bare, 
While in the midst, the Priest composed, 

Begins aloud his fervent prayer.' 

"O thou that rules the hosts above, 

And deigns to guide this world's affairs. 

Regard thy servants, in thy love, 
And listen to* our humble prayers. 

While in defence of what's our right, 
This morning early forth we go, 

Do thou assist us in the fight, 
Against our bold o'erbearing foe. 

"Great God of battles, lend thine aid, 
In our defence thy power display ; 

In thy protection we confide — 

Through this and every future day, 

"If we before our foes must fall, 
We to thy holy will resign ; — 

But grant that we may, one and all, 
In life and death, be ever thine." 

Each warrior bows, with serious heart, 
Assenting freely to the prayer — 

Then to their stations move alert, 

And for the march themselves prepare. 



28 



Now high in air unfurled flew 

The Maxwell's ensign waving high, 

The green grass shone with sanguine hue 
Where'er the streamer fluttered nigh. 

Far towering topped above them all 
Their loved lord's lofty ostrich plume ; 

Himself, like pine on mountain, tall, 
His visage bright with heavenly bloom. 

The dazzling helmet on his brow ; 

The sword resplendent as the flame ; 
The piercing eye of azure blue, 

Did Nithsdale matchless lord proclaim. 

With shouts they soon the march commence, 
Their daring leader them before — 

And through Dumfries they did advance, 
Two thousand told, and rather more. 

On to the eastward moving still, 

la proper form and order due ; 
They reach Crochmade, that lofty hill 

Where Annan's plains lie fair in view. 

Here long they halt both foot and horse, 
Till scouts, sent out, returning late, 

Inform them that Lord Johnston's force 
Encamped lay at Drysdale Gate. 



29 



Again the circle close they close, 
Their leaders in the centre stand ; 

While great and small themselves compose, 
To hear their chieftain's high command. 

In silver sounds, so clear and loud, 

Their leader brave commenced his speech 

My friends in arms, of whom I'm proud, 
Your patient hearing I beseech : 

There is not one, I may suppose, 
Amongst you all, companions dear, 

But keenly feels and clearly knows, 
The weighty reasons brought us here. 

Long have the Johnstons planned our harm 
Long have we suffered hurt and wrong ; 

And when in self-defence we arm, 
They 'gainst us raise an army strong. 

Confiding in our cause upright, 

Throughout the night we'll tarry here, 

Resolved that we will to-morrow fight 
For all that we on earth hold dear. 

If we should perish in the fray. 

In this belief our eyes we'll close. 
That our brave sons, some future day 

Will be revenged on these our foes. 



Whate'er the issue, death or life. 

To our Creator we submit, 
Let him conduct us through this strife. 

As in his wisdom he sees fit. 

Now standing forth, the holy man, 
Composure begs with serious air ; 

And as the day with prayer began, 
Again they close the day with prayer. 

Then favoured by the evening *stfi!l, 
They lay them down awhile to. rest, 

Within the hollow of the hill, 

Safe sheltered from the eastern blast. 

Lord Maxwell atja distance lay, 
In long loose robes of tartan drest, 

And pensive, viewed the parting day 
That faintly lingered in the west. 

When bursting from the welkin red, 
A splendid form, in glory bright, 

All round the hero's mossy bed, 
Illumed the raven^robe of^night. 

With secret awe and wild amaze, 

The chieftain rose and grasped his spear. 

And soon he saw, with brighter blaze, 
The heavenly vision hovering near. 



31 



A warrior form he did espy, 

His loose robe hung with careless grace. 
The flowing drapery of the sky, 

Immortal youth bloomed on his face. 

His blazing buckler brightly beamed, 
His sword appeared a meteor red, 

A radiant star the helmet seemed, 

That proudly shone high o'er his head* 

Hail ! hero, hail ! the spirit said, 
Hail, potent lord of yon fair strath ! 

BeiiOit^r^y great forefather's shade, 
Once chief, like thee, on lovely Nith. 

As Edwainl felt unto his loss, 

His forces 'I did often quell, 
And, 'neath the banner of the cross, 

I bravely fought, and proudly fell 

On thee, my son, mine eyes have been, — ■ 
I've viewed thee long with looks of love, 

Thy past transactions I have seen, 
And of thy deeds I much approve. 

Long has our house stood high in power. 
By none in Scotia's Isle surpassed, 

But now the sky begins to lour, 

And threats to blow an angry blast. 



52 

The noon-day sun, in zenith high, 
May brightly blaze but cannot stay, 

For driving down the western sky, 
It hastens to the close of day. 

'Midst tempests that the day deform, 

Its face may oft be overcast, 
Yet after every angry storm, 

May set in glory at the last. 

I see the storms themselves discharge, 
That threaten Maxwell's house with woe. 

I see our house again emerge, 
And forward, forward, joyful go. 

Then fly to face thy reckless foes. 
Whatever the issue, life or death, 

I know thou'lt ne'er thy honour lose, 
Nor yield it till thy latest breath. 

If thou" in honour's bed must lie, 
In this engagement to be tried, 

As dies the brave I know thou'lt die, 
And as the Maxwells still have died. 

No more the heavenly vision said, 

But swift on sounding pinions flew : 
Lord Maxwell humbly bowed his head,, 
And bade his angel-sire adieu. 



33 



Long stretched upon the ground he lay, 
Still pondering on the wondrous sight, 

Till, in the east, the infant day, 

Dispelled the dusky shades of night. 

The coming day the hero views, 
At his command the bugles sound, 

And up in haste his followers rose, 

From where they lay along the ground. 

Again they ask high Heaven's aid, 
And all in haste descend the hill, 

In war's habiliments arrayed, 

They reach the plains of Annandale. 

Lord Johnston did their coming view, 
And thinking soon to end the strife, 

His bannered forces up he drew, 
In fair array on Sands of Dryfe. 

The right, led on by valiant Scott, 
Consisting of the following names : 

The Scotts, who ne'er knew stain or blot, 
The Elliots, Armstrongs, and the Grahams, 

Lord Johnston did the centre lead, 

A warrior of approven skill, 
The large left wing had at its head, 

That dauntless hero, Will KirkhilL 



34 



Lord Maxwell too his centre led, 

Brave Crichton did command the right ; 

Kirkconnell true, 'midst battle bred, 

The left brought forward to the fight. , 

Successive vollies now they pour, 

The shot hails hissing through the sky ; 

They still advance, they aim more sure, 
While thick the dead and dying lie. 

Sweet Peace dejected, pale, forlorn, 
Far, far away, lamenting flies ; 

While soft Compassion, heaven born, 
Below Bellona's chariot dies. 

'Gainst every feeling calm and mild, 

Their hearts are now completely steeled ; 

And gentle love, by fiends so wild, 
Is driven in anger from the field. 

Sad groans and yells burst all around, 
While thickening rise the hills of dead ; 

Infernal Furies sweep the ground, 
In blood-bedrenched garments clad. 

The gallant M men, ever true, 
Below their leader famed Dalziel, 

With loud huzzas their sabres drew, 
And on their foes with furv fell. 



35 



The Becks, the Brydens, and the Brands, 
The Mundells and the Thomsons too. 

With stalwart strokes from sturdy hands, 
Their corpse-paved path did forward hew, 

Inclosed around, themselves they place 
All back to back, in double rows ; 

And, as their little band grew less, 
They close, and close, and closer close 

But young Kirkpatrick, gallant knight, 
When scouring swiftly o'er the plain, 

Beholds his friends in woeful plight, 
And forward brings his valiant train. 

With dreadful shouts at his command, 
They sweep th' encircling foes away, 

Some mangled forms now only stand, 
The remnant of the lads of iE. 

Through all the field they close engage, 
The war-fiend whooped with hideous yell, 

And sporting through the battle's rage, 
Rejoiced to see what numbers fell.,, 

The Johnstons, close together wedged, 
So firm withstand Lord Maxwell's shock, 

And long and fierce the battles raged, 
Before their lengthened line was broke. 



36 

At last he bursts their black array, 
They fly like chaff before the wind, 

Death and destruction marks his way, 
His followers brave from on behind. 

Still as the Johnston's rally round, 
-And groves of spears against him raise 

His sword, that gives no second wound 
In death's dread work incessant plays. 

Dinwoodie's stalwart laird he slew, 
'Who, falling fast, his sword forgoes ; 

To day's fair face he bids adieu, 

As o'er his eyes Death's shadows close. 

Voung Lockerbie, a lovely flower, 
His age just opening twenty three, 

Crossed Maxwell's path in evil hour, 
And scorned before a foe to flee. 

Lord Maxwell saw with pitying eye, 
This peerless form in beauty's pride, 

And much he wished the youth to fly, 
Or from his keen sword turn aside. 

But, urged by honour, on he drove, 
Below the chieftain's conquering steel, 

Which, falling fast, his scull deep clove, — 
Death's leaden hand his eyes did seal. 



37 



His lovely locks, all clote with gore, 
Along the ground dishevelled spread ; 

As when a mower cuts a flower, 

The pride of all th' enamelled mead. — 

Again the tide of battle turns ; 

Buecleugh's brave son a party brings; 
His breast with noble ardour burns, 

And 'midst his foes himself he flings. 

His followers like a torrent rush, 
Lord Johnston joins the dreadful shock , 

The Maxwells brave they backward push, 
And swift they fly, — dispersed and broke. 

Below Lord Johnston's conquering sword, 
Brave Maxwell of Carnsalloch fell, 

With Closeburn's son, a youth adored, 
Betrothed to beauteous Ann Dalziell. 

Young Scott the adverse ranks did mow, 
Around him rise the heaps of slain, 

While like the winter torrent's flow, 
Man's life blood dyes the verdant plain. 

Lord Maxwell, on a steed of foam, 
Flies swiftly from the left to right ; 

He calls his forces back to come : 
They rally, and renew tLe fight. 



38 



Again the deepening line they form, 

Man leans on man- — shield covers shield ; 

And forward, like a lowering storm, 
They march embattled on the field. 

The Johnstons to their onset yield, 
Nor can the furious charge resist ; 

They fly, disordered, o'er the field. 

So hard and close by Maxwell pressed. 

Swift o'er the sands drives Johnston true, 
His scattered forces back to bring ; 

While Scott, still with a chosen few, 
Firm keeps his ground upon the wing. 

The flying bands their leader hear, 
And all abashed they backward roll, 

Their daring chieftain doth them cheer, 
Supports and animates the whole. 

Again begins the battle's roar, 

Now rolls in wrath each reddened eye, 

Ten times more numerous than before, 
Each means to conquer or to die. 

Man fiercely mingled strokes with man, 
And chief with chief did close engage, 

With jaws full gorged, Death furious ran, 
Triumphing through the battle's rage. 



39 



Like as a bold projecting rock, 

Against whose|sides the billows dash, 

Still stands unmoved 'midst every shock, 
Though troubling seas around it clash : 

Thus long unmoved, Lord Maxwell stood, 
While circling foes inclosed him round ; 

Oft did his arm disperse the crowd, 

And numbers levelled with the ground. 

The Provost of Lochmaben town, 
He humbles with a well -aimed blow ; 

Rolled on the dust and trodden down, 
In Death's cold grasp he lies full low. 

Young Craggylands he overthrew, 
Below his arm Laird Lawson fell ; 

The Romes of Tordeph too he slew, 

With many a Johnston, Graham, and Bell. 

At last Lord Johnston he did meet 
Amidst the battle's fiercest rage, 

With blows they did each other greet, 
And hand to^hand^soclose engage. 

So nearly match'd in skill and strength, 
They long in equal combat strove ; 

Till Johnston's conquering sword at length 
Brave Maxwell's head assunder clove. 



40 



O'erthrown, — Death's victim now he lies, 
Fallen from his hand the ponderous steel, 

In lasting night, his lovely eyes 

The clay-cold hand of Death doth seal. 

Thus died great Maxwell of renown, 

A chief deserving loftier lays; 
And may the pipe be still in tune, 

The reed unbroke that sings his praise. 

Discouraged at their chieftain's fall, 
The barons Lag and Douglas fly ; 

The remnant that remains, though small, 

Fight round where Maxwell's corpse doth lie. 

Brave Crichton joins Kirkconnell true, 
Resolved their lives so dear to sell ; 

Their friends though dwindled to a few, 
So close condensed their foes repel. 

Base Cummertrees low grovelling lies, 

Deep struck with Crichton's piercing steel, 

So wild away his courser flies, 

And snorts in many a circling wheel. 

His sabre keen Kirkconnell wields, 
Below his arm fell famed Holmends, 

To Death's embrace Wat Irving yields, 
Down to the dust Pate Murrav bends. 



41 



He plied his weapon long and well, 

And wrought the Johnstons deadly harm ; 

At length in combat fierce he fell 
Beneath Kirkh ill's resistless arm. 

Though weak, they still maintain the fight : 
They scorn to fly, they scorn to yield, 

Till, parted by the shades of night, 

They slowly quit the hard-fought field. 

Their chieftain's body off they bear, 

And homeward march, a mournful band ; 

Yet still their standard high they rear 
In younger Crichton's trusty hand, 

Fast from the field the Johnstons sped, 
And for the Lochwood move again ; 

Yet fifteen hundred warriors dead, 
They leave behind them on the plain. 

The Maxwells brave, two thousand men 
That morning marshalled for the fray, 

Though five hundred souls and ten 
Outlived the havock of that day. 

Their pious priest, throughout the night, 
Did 'midst the dead and dying stay ; 

Their wounds he dressed by moonshine bright, 
And for their parting souls did pray. 

D 



42 

Now midnight's murky hour draws an, 
Pale Cynthia sinks beyond the hill ; 

Yet dreary, darkling, and alone, 
His Godlike task he follows still. 

Where'er the groans of death arise, 
From friend or foe, he hastens near, 

And, with the balm of comfort, tries 
The sinners' s fainting soul to cheer. 

He tells them that repentance true, 

Though late, will still acceptance find ; 

He sets the Saviour in their view, 
Who suffered to redeem mankind : 

He points to climes of endless day, 
Beyond this span of mortal life, 

Far, far from war's infernal fray, 

And far from scenes like Sands of Dryfe. 

The seraphs, bending from the skies, 

Behold his doings*over joyed ; 
And high their notes 'of wonder rise, 

To see a mortal so employed. 

Now infant day dawns in the east, 
And ushers in the morning clear, 

Fast to the field great numbers haste, 
And wail the dead with many a tear. 



43 

And thus tin's cruel contest end : 

Though long in furious feud did rage. 

Marked by each horror that attends 
A barb'rous and unlettered age. 

In deeds too dreadful to rehearse/ 

These rival clans passed many a day ; 

With bloody broils and bickerings fierce, 
Year after year slow dragged away. 

Meantime the young Lord Maxwell grew 
In stature tall, a chieftain bold, 

The spirit of his father true, 
Did, in his acts, itself unfold. 

Lord Johnston, feeble grown and old, 

He on a fatal day did meet, 
And basely, as the story's told, 

He laid him lifeless at his feet. 

Soon from the court an order flew, 
Lord Maxwell's body to arrest, 

But quickly he to France withdrew, 
T' escape their rage he deemed it best. 

But sick and weary of exile, 

Embarks once more and northward sails, 
Till landing in fair Scotia's isle, 

His native soil again he hails. 



44 

In Caithness wilds he tries to hide, 
But found his unrelenting foes, 

To fair Edina he's conveyed, 

And on the block his life doth lose. 

'Twas thus this feud at last did cease, 

In which so many heroes fell, 
And ever since, in love and peace 

These once famed clans together dwell. 

Now better rule, and better times, 
And milder manners far prevail, 

To curb those bloody feuds and crimes, 
Recorded in this tragic tale. 

May Britons still together dwell 

In peace, and aye, through Heaven's aid, 
Victorious, every foe repel 

That dares our native shores invade. 

Still may her name and power increase, 
And still in Fames bright annals shine ; 

May Heaven never cease to bless 
Her Princes of Hanover's line. 

As long as sun and moon endure, 
May she survive, unscathed by foes, 

Till Nature's last tremendous hour, 
When all terrestrial scenes shall close. 



NOTES. 



Note L— p. 9. 
The place which bears the name of Dryfe Sands, 
forms a spacious and extensive plain, about a mile 
from the confluence of the Dryfe and Annan ; and 
altogether it is a spot which seems to have been 
marked out by nature as the scene of feudal war- 
fare ; and there are few, if there is any situation in 
the county, which, in this respect, can boast of 
equal advantages* It was on this favoured spot (I 
speak in a military sense) that the Maxwells found 
their opponents drawn up in hostile array, and ready 
to engage in the sanguinary conflict. Yet, such 
was the romantic honour and bravery of the John- 
stons, or rather, perhaps, such their confidence in 
their own military prowess, that they disdained to 
profit by these advantages, and advanced, like the 
Covenanters on one remarkable occasion, to meet 
their enemies on the open plain. On the spot 
where Lord Maxwell fell, is a heap of stones and a 
large old thorn tree, which all the country for gen- 
erations past, have known by the name of the 
Maxwell Thorn. 



46 

Note II. 

Let not the battles be forgot, 

That our forefathers fought at hame. 

p. 10. 

Dumfries-shire, in which Dryfe Sands is situat- 
ed, is the most southern border county of Scotland. 
It is bounded on the north by the counties of Lan- 
ark, Peebles, and Selkirk ; on the west by Kirk- 
cudbrightshire, and part of Ayrshire ; on the south, 
by the Solway Frith ; and on the east, by the shire 
of Roxburgh, and a part of Cumberland. It is a- 
bout 50 miles long, and from 30 to 40 miles broad. 
The county is divided into three river districts, or 
dales, as they are called, viz. Nithsdale, Annandale, 
and Eskdale, traversed by the rivers Nith, Annan, 
and Esk, These carry nearly all the water which 
falls on the surface of the county to the Solway 
Frith. There are a number of other considerable 
streams which may be called tributaries to these 
principal rivers, as they nearly all discharge them- 
selves into one or other of them 

Dumfries-shire, in 1791, contained 62,960 in- 
habitants. In former times, it appears to have 
been far more populous. In latter times, this de- 
crease in the population has originated partly, if 
not solely, in the modern system of uniting many 
small farms into one, — a system, regarding the 
utility of which, economists are still divided in 



47 

opinion, and which has given rise to two of the 
finest poems in the English language,— TAe Deserts 
ed Village of Goldsmith, and The Emigrant of the 
late Honourable Henry Erskine. But there is an- 
other circumstance, for which the oldest person the 
writer ever conversed with on the subject, could as- 
sign no satisfactory reason. All over the higher 
parts of the county, there are to be seen numerous 
vestiges of houses, some of them in the most wild 
and unfrequented places imaginable, but generally 
on green spots among the hills. On the farm where 
the Author was born, and which his ancestors had 
possessed for time immemorial, he can recollect no 
fewer than nine different places, in which the ruins 
of cottages and hamlets could be distinctly traced, 
In some of these places, there Lad been five and six 
houses together; and he has often asked his father, 
who was an old man, and born on the farm, if ever 
he conversed with any aged peasant, who could 
give the history of these cottages, or who recollect- 
ed their last inhabitants : But, on this subject, 
the father's knowledge extended no farther than 
the son's. I have also enquired at several old men 
in the neighbourhood, who had similar vestiges on 
their farms, if they knew any thing concerning 
the history of these interesting ruins, but they all 
uniformly confessed their ignorance ; so that it 
must have been at a very remote period that these 
cottages or hamlets were peopled. 



48 

Note III. 

Where placid Annan peaceful flows. — p. 10. 

The river Annan rises in the mountains above 
Moffat, and after running south, for 37 miles, 
through the valley of Annandale, it falls into the 
Solway Frith, at the town of Annan, It has long 
been a common saying, in the south of Scotland, 
Annan, Evan, Tweed, and Clyde, 
All arise in one hill side* 

On the west side of the hill rises the Evan, one of 
the tributary streams of the Annan, into which it 
falls below Moffat. At a very little distance is also 
the source of the Clyde, which, running west, pass- 
es Lanark, Glasgow, Renfrew, Dumbarton, Port- 
Glasgow, and Greenock ; below which it falls into 
the Irish Sea. On the north side of the same hill, 
rises the Tweed, which runs in a north-east dir- 
ection, till it reaches Drummelzier ; then, running 
east, it receives the tributary streams of the Yar- 
row, the Gala, the Leader, the Tiviot, and the 
Whitadder, after which it falls into the German 
Ocean, near Berwick. 

Of all these rivers, the Annan has the most beau- 
tiful and level course ; is also much shorter than 
either Tweed or Clyde, according to the old say- 
ing— 

"Tweed ran, and Annan wan, 
Clyde fell 'and broke his neck, 
O'er Corra Linn." 



. 



49 



From the source of Annan to the sea, there is scarce 
a stone to be seen in it above the size of a small 
pebble ; the water of itself is pure and transparent 
as crystal ; the country through which it runs is 
fertile as the Campania of ancient Rome, and 
charming as the garden of Paradise. 



Note IV. 

On Johnston muir, 'midst waving ^rass. 

p. 25. 

The parish of Johnston lies on the west side of the 
river Annan, which oounds it on the east side the 
whole length of the parish. The land is excellent 
along the river side. Further distant is Johnston 
Muir, formerly an extensive track of waste ground, 
more than four miles in length, till about the year 
1785, when the late Earl of Hopetoun inclosed a 
considerable part of it, on which he built farm* 
houses, and let it out in farms ; — a work in which 
he certainly had great merit, as it both beautified 
and enriched the country; and, contrary to the 
common custom, greatly increased the number of 
inhabitants. Such land as was unsuitable for 
farms, he planted with different kinds of wood, all 
of which is now in a very thriving state ; so that 
What formerly was a barren waste, is now covered 

E 



50 



with woods, houses, and corn fields. The Earl of 
Hopetoun, at the same time, built the house of 
Raehills, an elegant seat, adorned with extensive 
plantations, fine gardens, and pleasure grounds. 



Note V. 
Around their chief, his potent clam 
From Errickstane to Solway's shore. 

p. 37. 
Errickstane, the famous hill before mentioned, 
where so many rivers have their source, is 1,118 
feet above the level of sea. 



Note VI. 
On Nith's sweet plains, their neighbours great. 
The Maxwells dwelt, a potent name. — p. 39. 

The river Nith rises in the upper part of Ayr- 
shire, and enters Nithsdale by the foot of Corson- 
cone-hill ; it then runs through the valley of Kirk- 
connel and Sanquhar, after which, it is confined into 
a rocky passage, which begins near the Elliock 
Bridge, and winds among hills for a considerable 
way, till it enters another valley more extensive 
than the former, containing the parishes of Morton, 
Closeburn, and part of Penpont, Tynron, and Keir. 
After passing this valley, it again runs for a con- 



51 



■siderable way among bills, in a rocky channel, till 
it reaches the Auldgirth Bridge, where it may be 
said to enter the valley of Dumfries, through which 
it rlins placidly until it pours all the collected wat- 
er of the district into the Solway Frith near Car- 
laverock Castle. — Jameson s Miner alogical Survey. 
The Strath ofNith, or Stra-Nid, as it was called 
in old times, is populous, pleasant, and fertile, in 
the highest degree, and the natives are strongly 
attached to it. In all their comparisons of persons 
or of things, it is always said, there is not such an- 
other^ between Corsoncone and the sea ; or between 
Corsoncone and Carlaverock; and that, in their op- 
inion., is all the world that is worth minding. In 
distant regions it is thought and spoken of with 
that enthusiastic rapture which Scots men only can 
feel. A great many from this district go to the 
West Indies, and especially to Jamaica. When 
these natives of Stra-Nid dine together, (as they 
do often.) the sacred toast is always given, "To all 
between Corsoncone and the Sea," when immediate- 
ly one rapturous huzza succeeds another, and ere 
the first burst of enthusiasm is over, there is often 
scarcely an eye in the company but what is seen 
glistened with a tear. 

The Nith, after passing the village of Kirkcounel, 
reaches Sanquhar, where are the remains of an 
ancient castle, once the seat of the Crichtons, an- 
cestors of the Earls of Dumfries, Further down 



52 



is the Elliock, the seat of Henry Veitch, Esq. 
Next is Drumlanrig, the seat of the Dukes of 
Queensberry, On the east side, a little further 
down, is the village of Thornhill ; within a short 
walk of which is the castle of CJoseburn, the ancient 
seat of the Kirkpatricks of Close burn, where Close - 
burn-hall, belonging to C. G. S, Alenteath, Esq. is 
also situated ; further down on the west side of tlie 
river is the Blackwood, Copland, Esq. ; Cowhill, 
Johnston of Cowhill ; Dalswinton, the ancient seat 
of the Cummings; Milnhead, belonging to Freder- 
ick Maxwell, Esq. ; Carnsalloch, Johnston of Carn- 
salloch. At the junction of the Nith with the 
Cairn are the beautiful ruins of Lincluden Abbey ; 
— a little to the west is Terregles, belonging to 
M. Constable Maxwell, Esq. the representative of 
the once famous family of Nithsdale, the chief of 
which makes so conspicuous a figure in the Battle 
of Dryfe Sands. 

Next in the course of the Nith is the royal 
burgh of Dumfries, delightfully situated on the 
east side of the river, nine miles from its influx into 
the Solway Frith. It is the county town, and also 
the most flourishing place in the south of Scotland, 
There are two bridges over the Nith, the Old bridge 
was said to have formerly had thirteen arches, but 
the river is now confined into a narrow channel, 
and several of the arches are taken away. In the 
Old Church Yard are many beautiful monuments, 



53 

and among others that of Robert Burns, the cele- 
brated Scottish Poet. The town is governed by a 
provost, three baillies, with merchant and trades 
councillors. 

The assizes for the county of Dumfries and the 
stewartry of Kirkcudbright, are held in the town 
twice a-year. It is also the seat of the Commiss- 
ary and Sheriff Courts, and of the Synod and Pres- 
bytery. In the church of this town, Robert Bruce, 
afterwards King of Scotland, stabbed Cummin, one 
of the great barons, after he had fled to the altar 
as a sanctuary. 

Dumfries has a large and well attended market, 
held every Wednesday, there is also a large cattle- 
market, for, at least, nine months in the year, be- 
ginning about the middle of April and continuing 
every Wednesday till about the hist of January. 
There are three fairs for horses which are well at- 
tended. About the middle of November the mark- 
et for pork commences, which continues every 
Wednesday till the month of April. Strangers are 
astonished at the number of swine carcases that are 
brought into the town every week during the 
season. They are mostly bought by dealers from 
Annan and the border, and as all the green pork 
is paid for in ready money, the traifick is very luc- 
rative, and circulates a considerable sum of money 
throughout the county. 

On the east of Dumfries lies an extensive morass, 



54 

called Lochar Moss, through which runs a river of 
the same name, which is so very level, that it falls 
only 11 feet in 13 miles. Several anchors, keels, 
&c. have been found in this moss, from which it is 
supposed to have been a frith or arm of the sea, 
but from the vast quantity of wood in it, is thought 
first of all to have been a forest, according to the 
old sayings 

"First a wood and then a sea. 

Now a moss and ay will be.'' 



Note VII. 

Long were their Chiefs in arms renowned, 
As Scotia's ancient histories tell. — p. 11. 

The following extract from an old legendary 
fragment entitled "The Bedesman of Nid-syde ,; 
(a composition of great antiquity), shows in what 
fame the Maxwell's were in these remote ages : — * 

The child blent owre the Kyrnellis hye, 

Y ? e Soudan's Gist to see, 
By the in one light, he sa and told, 

Twa hondrith score and thre ; 

His botigill home, sac sleek and grene. 

He blewe baith stark, and lang, 
The wakryfe Warders bent their bowys, 

(Jam forth, wi by 11 and brande ; 



55 

A Bacheleere in Abergown, 

Cam up his men beforne, 
A bettar Captayn was never sene, 

A balder was never born : 

In gramarye he was of lore, 

Nae brande coude on hym byte, 

Nae heathen hound, or termagaunt, 
Coude throw his bassonett smyte ; 

Schir Eustace Macuswall he's caw'd, 
In sothe Skottlonde he bode, 

On his bred banner stode bedight, 
The egil and the roode. 

The Soudan, frae his paJzeeron, 
Blent up owre tlie heich wa, 

The doughetie stalwart Macuswall, 
He on ye Kyrnells saw. 

Wha to Conheat, his Lyff- tenant, 

•He sayd, tul ye Soudan hy, 
Tel him I com, w'i my Camscho Gist, 
And he or I must cly. 



Note VIIL 
When Europe joined in wild crusades.- — p. 12. 
It appears from "Bedesman on Nid-syde," the 
very curious legend work already alluded to, that 
great numbers besides the Maxwells went from 
Nith to assist in driving the infidels from the Holy 
Land.— 






56 



The stalwart Richard, Ynglondes glore. 

To Haly Eard was bown, 
His Brand he branglit sae brilzean, 

He dang the dour Maheum. 

The stark and hawtane Macuswall 

Thane of Stra-Nid sae grene, 
Had graith'd him vvi the Haly-Corse 

To fair wi' Ynglondes Kynge. 

Schir Rodger de Kilpatericke, 

Child of Killosburnes Touris, 
Had in his Basnet, heisit the cerse, 

Zeid frae his Lady's Boures. 

Schir Rab the*Roos, of gen til laits. 

Thane of hie Sanguhars Peel, 
On his Caprousy heis't the corse, 

He stalwartjwas and led. 

Torthorwald's stark, and doucfrty Wicht, 

Zeid wi' the vaiziant thrang, 
My sell graith'd out in Abergown, 

Wend wi' the leve amang. 

Ib twa score Carvefo, frae Gbckpoc^ 

Wee brilzean Lundin'raucht. 
A*myghtye nieany y and ^ vaiziant" tlwiangy 

Wha f remit ferly's saucht. 

The'aayghtye Richard, brank and heigh, 

Tald owre his menzie mony, 
Our Swankies a/ weil graith'd and Whene, 

They bang'd baith braif arid bony; 



57 

W'\ winsome fasche, away wee sayPd, 
Far owre the sea sae braid, 

At Seanderoon wee raw'd to Swaird 
For haly card wee gaid. 



Note IX. 
Far, far overpowered the Nith men yield. — p. 19. 
It would appear that those of the Johnstons 
who fought at the Biddes-burn were mostly from 
Wamphray, and came with Will Kirkhill, to re- 
venge the death of their chieftain, William John- 
ston of W'amphray (commonly called the Gilliard) 
who was put to death by the Crichtons He was 
a noted freebooter, and a place near the head of 
Teviotdale, still retains the name of the Gilliard- 
faulds, being a valley where he used to secret and 
divide his spoil with his Liddisdale and Eskdale 
associates. Willie of Kirkhill, the nephew and 
avenger of the Gilliard, was also a noted freebooter. 
The following song, called "The Lads of Wamph- 
ray," has long been known in Annandale, and ap- 
pears to have been composed soon after the battle 
of the Biddes-burn. 

THE LADS OF WAMPHRAY. 

'Twixt Girth -head and the Long wood-end, 
Lived the Galliard and the Gilliard's men, 
But and the lads of Leverhay, 
They drove the Crichton's gear away. 



58 



It is the lads of Leithenha' ; 
The greatest rogues amang them a' ; 
But and the lads of Stefenbiggin, 
They broke the house in at the riggin'. 

The lads of Fingland and E!back hill, 
They were never for good, but ay for ill ; 
'Twixt the Staywood Bush and Langside Hill, 
They stole the broked cow and the branded bull. 

It is the lads of the Girth-head, 

The deil's in them for pride and greed ; 

For the Galliardand the Galliard's men, 

They ne'er saw a horse but they made it their ain. 

The Galliard is to Nith-side gane, 

To steal Sim Crichton's winsome dun , 

The Galliard is unto the stable gane, 

But, instead of the dun, the blind he has ta'en. 

Now, Simmy, Simmy, of the Side, 
Come out and see a Johnston ride, 
His the bonniest horse on a' Nith-side, 
And a gentle Johnston aboon his hide. 

O Simmy Crichton's mounted then. 

And followers has raised mony a ane ; 

The Galliard trowed his horse had been wight, 

But the Crichton's beat him out of sight. 

As soon as the Galliard the Crichton saw, 
Behind the saugh-bnsh he did draw ; 
And there the Crichtons the Galliard hae ta'en 
And nane wi' him but Willie alane. 



59 



a O Simmy, Simmy, now let me gang, 
And I'l J* never mair do a Crichton wrang ; 
O Simmy, Simmy, now let me be, 
And a peck o' gowd I'll gie to thee. 

O Simmy, Simmy, now let me gang, 
And my wife shall heap it wi' her hand , 
But the Crichtons wadna let the Galliard be r 
But they hanged him high upon a tree. 

O think then, Willie, he was right wae, 
When he saw his uncle guided sae ; 
"But if ever I live Wamphray to see, 
My uncle's death avanged shall be. ,? 

Back to Wamphray he has gane, 
And riders has raised mony a ane ; 
Saying, "My lads, if ye'll be true, 
Ye shall a' be clad in the noble blue." 

O back to Nithsdale they hae gane, 
And awa J the Crichtons nowt hae ta'en, 
But when they came to the well-path -head^ 
The Crichtons bade them light and lead. 

And when they came to the Biddes-burn, 
The Crichtons bade them stand and turn ; 
And when they came to the Biddes-strand, 
The Crichtons they were hard at hand. 

But when they came to the Biddes-law, 
The Johnstons bade them stand and draw ; 
"We've done nae ill, we'll thole nae wrangv 
But back to Wamphray we will gang," 



GO 



And out spake Willie of the Kirkhill,— 
"Of fighting, lads, ye's get your fill !" 
And from his horse Willie he lap, 
And a burnished brand in his hand he gat. 

Out thro' the Crichtons Willie he ran, 
And dang them down baith horse and man ; 

but the Johnstons were wond'rous rude, 
When the Biddes-burn ran three days blood 

"Now, sirs, we've done a noble deed, 
We have revenged the Galiiard's bleid ; 
For every finger o' the Galiiard's han/ 

1 vow, this day, IVe killed a man. 

As they came in at Evan-head. 
At Racklaw-holm they spread abread ; 
"Drive on, my lads, it will be late, 
We'll hae a pint at W^amphray-gate." 

For, wherever I gang, or wherever I ride. 
The lads of Wamphray are on my side ; 
"And of a' the lads that I do ken, 
A Wamphray lad's the king of men." 

Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border. 



Note X. 
And quick they came with one accord, 
And fealty fast to Nithsdale swore. — p. 21. 

That the reader may have a just idea of the nature 
of the bonds of Man-rent, often alluded to in the 



61 



preceding text, he is here presented with the copy 
of one, given by Kirkpatrick of Closeburn, to the 
then Lord Maxwell, at least fifty years before the 
Battle of Dryfe Sands.:— 

BOND OF MAN-RENT. 

K Be it kend till all men, be thir present lettres 
me Thomas Kirkpatrick of Closburn to be bundin 
and oblisit. and be the Tenor, heir of blindis and 
oblissis me, be the faith and treuth of my body, in 
manrent and service to ane riobil and mychty Lord 
Robert Lord Maxwell, induring all the days of my 
lyfe, and byndis and oblissis me, as said is, to be 
leill and trew man and servand to the said Robert 
Lord Maxwell, my master and sail nowthir heir 
nor se his skaith but sal let the samyn at my uter 
power and warn him theirof and I sal conceill it 
that the said lord schawis to me, and sal gif him 
agane the best leill and trew counsale that I can 
quhen he ony askis at me, and that I sal ryde with 
my kin, freyndis, servandis and allies that will do 
for me, or to gang with the said lord : and do to 
him aefauld trew and thankful service and take ae- 
fauld playne part with the said lord, my maister 
in all and sindry his actionis causis quarrelis leful 
and honest movit or to be movit be him, or agains 
him baith in peace and weir contrair or aganis all 
thae that leiffes my (allegeant to our Souveran 
Ladye the Quenis Grace her Tutor and Governor 
allanerly except) and thir my lettres of manrent 



62 



for all the day is of my life foresaid to indure, all 
dissimulations, fraud, or gyh secludit and away put. 
In witness, &c. &c. 

This deed is signed at Edinburgh, 3d Feb. 1542. 



Note XI. 

And slew a few of Maxwell' *s men, 

Who stationed in Lochmaben laij % — p. 23. 

The Royal burgh of Lochmaben is most delight- 
fully situated on the western side of the Annan ; 
it is adorned with a handsome town-house and 
steeple, and is a pJace of very great antiquity. It 
is said to have received its charter from King 
Robert Bruce, whose paternal estate was the 
Lordship of Annandale, At present it coutains 
IJOO inhabitants. The town is surrounded by most 
beautiful lochs, the chief of which is the Castle- 
loch, where, on a peninsula, stood the once mag- 
nificient Castle of Lochmaben, in former times, the 
strongest fortress on the western border. It is 
about two miles from Drvfe Sands. 



63 



Note XII. 



The gallant M men, ever true. 

JEaj one of the tributary streams of the Annan, 
rises on Queen sherry -hill, and running south, is 
confined among hills, till it reaches Kirkmichaei 
Mill ; after which it pursues its course through a 
country level and fertile in the highest degree. At 
the farm of Dalfible, it runs eastward, which course 
it pursues till it falls into the Annan, at a little 
distance from Lochmaben. 

South from Kirkmichaei Church, is Kirkmichaei 
Place, long the residence of the DalzielPs, Earls of 
Carnwath, an ancient and highly respectable family. 
"The lads of M," as they used to be called in the 
country, were long famed for broils, battles, and 
feats of activity ; at every fair or wedding in those 
days, there was for the most part a fight, and the 
lads of JE* were ever forrnost in the fray. 

Before carts were used, or roads made in the 
country, the merchant goods were all conveyed 
from one place to another on the backs of Horses, 
and the farmers on JE, who were almost all em- 
ployed in this business, often transported merchan- 
dise in this manner from Glasgow to Carlisle, Man- 
chester, and various other towns in England. 
Wherever they went, through England or Scotland, 
their names were famous for boxing, cudgel-play- 
ing, and similar exercises. A number of them 



64 



went to Di yfo Sands, under one of the Dalziells, 
where they were all killed, and not a man of them, 
it is said, would have escaped, had not young 
Kirkpatrick of Closeburn (who was to have been 
married to DalzielPs daughter) come to their as- 
sistance ; a little after this instance of heroism^ 
Kirkpatrick himself fell, greatly lamented. 



*THE END, 



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